Adhesive applicator



May 5', 1970 E. A. HARTBAUER ET AL 3,509,853

ADHESIVE APPLICAIOR Filed Aug. 7, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. FIG. l4

' INVENTORS.

ELLSWORTH A. HARTBAUER R OLF R. WEIS t W a 29 ATTORNEY ADHESIVE APPLICATOB I 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 7. 1967 INVENTORS. ELLSWORTH A.HARTBAUER RUDOLF R. WE IS 076. (Q ATTOFf May 5, 1970 E. A. HART BAUER ET3,509,853

ADHESIVE APPLICATOR Filed Aug. 7, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 5

ATTORNEY y 5, 1970 E. A. HARTBAUER ET AL 3,509,853

ADHESIVE APPLICATOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 7, 1967 s E mam N m m WR 4 T vH T m U A @@@@@S @Q a United States Patent 3,509,853 ADHESIVEAPPLICATOR Ellsworth A. Hartbauer, Concord, and Rudolf R. Weis,

Antioch, Calif assignors to Crown Zellerbach Corporation, San Francisco,Calif., a corporation of Nevada Filed Aug. 7, 1967, Ser. No. 658,762Int. Cl. B05c 3/20 US. Cl. 118-411 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREAn adhesive applicator wherein liquid adhesive is forced under pressureaxially through a hollow stator shaft to a pair of outlet openings inthe opposite side walls of a collar on the shaft. An inner wall on arotor surrounds but is spaced from the collar to prevent excessivefrictional heat rise at high speed rotation and includes a plurality ofentrances, each of which sequentially during rotation is intermittentlyaligned with the outlet on the stator to receive an adhesive charge, thecharges being forced from the entrances through individual ducts to anexterior discharge surface from which surface the adhesive is depositedon a web in a predetermined pattern as the web advances in contact withthe rotor.

Background of the invention The present invention relates to apparatusfor applying fluid material to a surface; and, more particularly torotary fluid material applicators which deposit the material on areceiving surface in a predetermined pattern. Although specificreference is made hereinafter to use of the applicator mechanism of thepresent invention in applying adhesive to bag bottom flaps prior tofolding the flaps in a bag-bottoming operation, it is to be understoodthat the mechanism is useful in applying fluid patterns on surfacesother than bag bottom flaps.

In US. Pat. No. 3,255,729 Weis, issued June 14, 1966, and assigned toCrown Zellerbach Corporation, the same assignee as the presentinvention, an adhesive applicator is disclosed which has beeneffectively used to apply relatively low viscosity adhesive in a patternto bag bottoms as a part of the closing operation performed on the bagbottoms. The applicator disclosed in the patent just mentioned includesa stator element having an inlet connectable to a pressurized source ofadhesive, which adhesive is forced through the stator to an outletopening located on a surface thereof. Further in accordance with theteaching of the aforementioned patent, a rotor is rotatably mounted withrespect to the stator and includes a surface having a plurality ofentrance openings which surface is urged into abutment with the surfaceof the stator having the outlet opening. The entrance openings arepositioned so as to sequentially communicate with the outlet in thestator and receive an adhesive charge therefrom. This charge passes fromthe entrance opening through the rotor to an exterior discharge surfacehaving a predetermined pattern, and from the discharge surface theadhesive is applied to bag bottom flaps as the flaps are advanced incontact with the discharge surface.

While the applicator disclosed in the patent just discussed has operatedsatisfactorily for the purpose intended in that it has permittedrelatively low viscosity adhesive to be applied to a bag bottom in arapid and effective manner as compared to other devices heretoforeknown, it remains that it would be desirable to provide a device capableof Operating at even greater speeds to take advantage of the speedoperating capability of other parts of present bag forming and bottomingequipment.

3,509,853 Patented May 5, 1970 Summary It is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a fluid material applicator mechanismcapable of applying relatively loW viscosity fluids effectively to asurface and having capability of high operating speed, and includingother advantages of long life and relatively simplified construction.

In accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, anexternal fluid discharge surface on a rotor is in fluid flowcommunication with an entrance located on an internal surface of therotor, and the internal surface having the entrance on the rotor isspaced from a surface on a stator having an outlet which suppliesadhesive to the rotor entrance only during a period of rota tion whenthe entrance is aligned with the stator outlet. Because of the spacingbetween the rotor and stator surfaces, high speed rotation is permittedWithout causing any excessive frictional heat rise.

In accordance with another aspect, the stator comprises a circularhollow shaft having an enlarged collar which provides the surface havingthe outlet, and the rotor is generally cylindrical with an internalannular groove surrounding the collar and providing internal surfacesfor the entrance openings so that seals may be provided between therotor and stator which are essentially no larger internally than theouter diameter of the stator. The seals prevent fluid material fromreaching the external surfaces of the apparatus except as desiredthrough the discharge system provided in the rotor. The effective lifeof the seals is enhanced because the constructional arrangement of therotor and stator permits the seals to occupy a sealing position betweenopposite surfaces where the relative rotational velocity is minimalcompared to the relative rotational velocity betweenthe other opposedsurfaces in the rotor and stator.

Still other aspects reside in the provision of removable outlet nozzlesand in the particular duct system leading to the nozzles so thatassurance is gained that each nozzle receives essentially the sameadhesive charge.

Brief description of the drawing While the specification concludes withclaims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subjectmatter of the present invention, it is believed the invention will bebetter understood from the following description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the drive side of theapparatus incorporating the adhesive applicator mechanism of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the applicator mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevation taken along line 33 of FIG. 1with parts broken away for convenience of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3with parts broken away;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan elevation of drive mechanism for theadhesive applicator of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken on line 66 of FIG. 4 with partsbroken away;

FIG. 7 is a broken away section taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 4 toillustrate a part of the stator mounting;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section taken on line 88 of FIG. 6 with partsfurther broken away;

FIG. 9 is a radially developed elevation along line 9--9 of FIG. 8, butalso illustrating the pattern on both sides of the rotor surface;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary section taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary section taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary section taken on line 1212 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a nozzle which forms an adhesivedischarge surface; and,

FIGS. 14 and 15 are plan views of a bag respectively illustrating bottomflaps thereof in open and closed position.

General description First referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated abag-bottoming apparatus including a drum 20 mounted for rotation aboutan axis defined by an axle 21. A ring gear 22 mounted on one side of thedrum for rotating the drum derives its motion from a gear 23 secured atthe end of the driven shaft of a drive motor 24 mounted on the floor.

Articles such as flap-equipped bags 25 are fed to the externalcylindrical surface 26 of the drum by conventional conveyor means 27. Inthe instance of utilizing the apparatus to apply adhesive to bag flaps,paper bags 25 (FIGS. 14 and 15) having bottom flaps 28 and 29 open (FIG.14) are advanced with the drum and between a nip or opening defined bythe outer surface of the drum and the outer generally cylindricalsurface of a rotating portion of an adhesive applicator 30. The adhesiveapplicator, in a manner which will be described hereinafter inconsiderable detail, applies adhesive to the bag bottoms in apredetermined pattern defined by dots 31. After receiving adhesive, thebags (still with the flaps open) continue movement along with the outersurface 26 of the drum to a flap-folding station 32. Quite briefly, theflap-folding station includes flap-folding fingers 33 (only one of whichis illustrated) which derive their motion from ring gear 22 through themedium of gears 34 and 35. The fingers 32 function to fold flaps 28 and29 inwardly from the position of FIG. 14 to the position of FIG. 15 tocomplete formation of the bottom of the bag. Since the flap-foldingapparatus forms no part of the present invention it has not beendescribed in detail, and reference may be-made to US. Pat. No. 3,156,165Weis issued Nov. 10, 1964, and also assigned to Crown ZellerbachCorporation, for a detailed description of the manner in which asuitable flap-folding apparatus may operate.

From the flapfolding station the bags are deposited from the drum 20onto a suitable conveyor 36 for carrying the bags, to an assembly andpackaging station (not shown).

Reference should now be made to FIGS. 3, and 6 to gain furtherunderstanding of the drive train by which the rotational movement of thering gear 22 is transmitted to a rotor 37 of the adhesive applicatormechanism, the rotor being mounted for rotation with respect to a stator38. An intermediate drive shaft 39 in the drive train is appropriatelyjournalled for rotation in bearing components 40 carried by a framemember 41 (which frame member is mounted on the floor). One end of thedrive shaft 39 has a gear 42 appropriately secured thereto, and thisgear is so positioned that it meshes with the ring gear 22. The otherend of the shaft 39 also has a gear 43 suitably secured thereto forrotation with the shaft. An idler gear 44 is rotatably supported fromthe main supporting frame of the apparatus through the medium of amounting block or bracket 45 .(which bracket also sup ports the adhesiveapplicator mechanism), and the gear 44 is journalled for rotation aboutan axis defined by a bolt 46 passing axially through the gear andsecured to the bracket 45 by a nut 47. The idler gear 44 is positionedso that it meshes with intermediate drive gear 43, and the idler gear 44also meshes with adhesive applicator drive gear 48, the gear 48 beingconnected to the rotor element 37 of the applicator mechanism throughthe medium of a connector cylinder 49.

Now referring to FIGS. 2. and 6, the preferred construction and theassembled condition relationship of the rotor 37 and stator 38 may beclearly visualized.

The stator 38, in preferred form, comprises a shaft '50 which isgenerally circular in cross-section and has an axial adhesive-conductingpassageway 51 extending from one end 52 thereof to a point about midwayof the shaft. The passageway 51 is internally threaded at the end 52 ofthe shaft so as to receive an externally threaded end of an adhesivesupply line 53 which is attached to the shaft in communication with thepassageway 51. An integral enlarged annular external collar 54 is formedon the shaft approximately midway between the ends of the shaft in theregion where the passageway 51 terminates. The

. collar 54 has a radial internal bore 55 formed by diametricallydrilling through the collar from a point on the exterior surface 56thereof to an inner point spaced slightly inwardly from a point on theexterior surface 180 removed from the point where the drill enters thesurface. The end of the bore where the drill entered is thereafterplugged with a suitable plug 57. A hole 58 is formed by drilling betweenopposite side walls 59 and 60 of the collar in a manner so that the hole58 intersects the bore 55. The hole 58 thereby provides outlet openings59a and 60a on opposite sides of the collar, each of which openings isin fluid flow communication with the passageway 51 through the medium ofbore 55. An internally threaded axially extending aperture 61 at the end62 of the shaft 50 opposite the adhesive supply end permits reception ofa bolt 63 for securing an end cap 64 thereon. The shaft also includesnecked-down portions located on opposite sides of the collar whichprovide respective abutment surfaces 65 and 66 for a bearing 75 and aspacer 152. The shaft 50 may be formed of stainless steel or any othersuitable material.

The rotor 37, in preferred form, comprises two complementary sections 67and 68. As seen most clearly at FIGS. 2 and 6, the section 67 includes acircular central opening defined by an arcuate surface 69 which openingis slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 50 in the regionadjacent the opening. For example, the shaft diameter (distance X atFIG. 6) may be 1 /2 inches, and the rotor opening diameter (distance Yat FIG. 6) may be 4 of an inch greater. Stepped surface portions 70 and71 extending outwardly from surface 69 provide respectively a seat forseals 72 and 73 and an abutment surface 74 for hearing 75 which is heldin place by a retaining ring 76 and rotatably supports the rotor 37 fromthe stator shaft 50. The seals may be formed of flexible neoprene andare generally V-shaped in cross-sectional configuration whereby one legof each seal is secured to surface 70 for rotation therewith, and theother leg of each seal bears resiliently against the shaft 50. Asuitable lubricant for the seals may be inserted through an opening 77which is closed by a removable plug. An inner rotor surface 78 extendsperpendicularly or radially outward from surface 69, and the surface 78together with axially extending surface 79 form a partial housing forthe collar 54 on the stator. As will again be described later, inassembled condition of the applicator mechanism the surfaces 78 and 79are spaced from adjacent collar surfaces 59 and 56, respectively, on thestator.

As seen most clearly at FIG. 8, the inner surface 78 of the rotorelement 67 has a plurality of entrances 80 through formed therein. Eachofthe entrances 80 is connected by an individual internal duct 86 to anindividualexit on the external surface 87 of the rotor. The exitportions of the duct connected to the entrances 80 form one leg 88 of agenerally U-shaped (FIG. 9) adhesive applicator pattern. Each duct isinternally threaded at the exit so as to be capable of receiving nozzles89 therein which nozzles thereby provide individual exterior dischargesurfaces. The ducts for each of the entrances 80 first extend equalaxial distances perpendicularly away from the entrance surface 78 to apoint below the leg 88 of the adhesive discharge pattern. Then the ductsextend radially upward to the discharge surface of the rotor. In

other words, the entrances 80 are each in substantially the same radialplane as their respective discharge nozzles,

.considering the radial planes as being planes originating along a linecorresponding to the axis of rotation of the rotor 37 and extendingradially outward to the outer surface 87 of the rotor.

As stated, the entrances designated as a group by the numeral 80 areused to supply, in sequence, adhesive to the nozzles 89 forming the leg88 of the generally U-shaped pattern. The entrances 81 and 82 are usedto supply adhesive to the first outer two nozzles 90 and 91 at the base92 of the pattern. As seen at FIGURE 10, the ducts for the two entrances81 and 82 are in substantially the same radial plane as the nozzles atthe base of the U-shaped pattern, and these two entrances, when alignedwith the adhesive outlet 59a on the stator collar 54, are suppliedsimultaneouly with adhesive, the duct path from each of these entrancesfirst extending axially inwardly, thence radially upward to a respectivenozzle.

A somewhat different duct pattern is used, however, to supply theremaining three nozzles 93, 94 and 95 at the base of the U-shapedpattern in rotor section 67. Entrance openings which are used to supplythe latter three nozzles are designated by numerals 83, 84 and 85 (FIG.8), and it is seen that these latter entrances are displaced from theradial plane of their respective nozzle discharge surfaces. Referring toFIGS. 8, l0 and 11, it is seen that the entrance 83 leads to a duct 96(FIG. 11) which extends axially inwardly a short distance. Then the ductextends upwardly through a portion 96a formed by drilling a radial holefrom the outer surface of the rotor, and the hole is thereafter closedwith a plug 97. From the portion 96a, the duct extends in a return path96b to rotor surface 98. The duct follows an arcuate peripheral groove96c along the surface 98, which groove terminates at the same radialplane as the discharge nozzle 93. Then the duct extends axially inwardlyagain from a second entrance 96d (FIG. to a point immediately beneathnozzle 93; thence radially upwardly to the nozzle. Therefore, asdisclosed clearly in the drawing (FIGS. 8, l0 and 11), there is a returnpath starting from entrance 83 on surface 78 which leads to surface 98,and the return path can be said to be generally U-shaped. This pathincludes a duct 96 (FIG. 11) extending inwardly from entrance 83 whichcan be considered to be one leg of the return path, a duct 96a which isthe base of the U-shaped return path, and duct 96b which is the otherleg of the return path.

The duct 99 from entrance 84 (FIG. 8) also follows a return path betweensurfaces 78 and 98; thence along groove 99c in surface 98 to a secondentrance 99d in surface 98, and from the second entrance to a pointbelow the nozzle 94; thence upwardly to the nozzle. Similarly, the duct100 from entrance 85 leads between surfaces 78 and 98, through groove1000; thence through a second entrance 100d to the nozzle 95. It is tobe observed that the second entrances 96d, 99d and 100d are all locatedon surface 98 and are in substantially the same radial plane as thenozzles forming the base of the U-shaped pattern. As is clear at FIGS. 8and 9, the ducts 99 and 100 also have portions formed by drilling behindthe base of the U-shaped pattern and thereafter plugging the entrance tothese drilled holes, as at 104 and 105.

The reason for the somewhat tortuous path with respect to the ducts fromentrances 83, 84 and 85 is that it is desirable to supply no more thantwo entrances at a time from the stator opening. As long as all of thenozzles at the base of the U-shaped pattern are in the same radial planeit is necessary that the ducts supplying some of these nozzles havetheir entrances behind the plane, but it is necessary for the duct pathto return to the plane at the base of the pattern. Then, considering thedifliculty of the drilling at an angle in the rotor metal from any givensurface, it will be appreciated that the duct arrangement for theentrances may be accomplished in the manner indicated by straightdrilling in connection with arcuate grooving along the surface 98.

As indicated above, rotor section 68 is complementary to rotor section67 just described. The rotor Section 68 also includes a circular opening101 which is essentially the same diameter (distance Y at FIG. 6) as thecentral opening 69 in the section 67. Inner surface 102 extends radiallyoutward from the surface defining the opening 101, and the surface 102together with axially extending surface 103 also forms a partial housingfor the collar 54 on the stator.

As is clear at FIG. 6, when the two complementary rotor sections 67 and68 are secured together, the surfaces 78, 79, 102 and 103 togetherdefine an annular groove for receiving the shaft collar 54. The partsare so dimensioned, however, that the surfaces 78 and 102 are, inassembled condition, spaced apart from each other a distance ofpreferably between about .006 and .010 inch greater than the distancebetween surfaces 59 and 60 of the collar. This permits the surface 59 tobe spaced from surface 78 a distance of about .003 to .005 inch, andsimilarly, permits the surface 60 to be spaced from surface 102 adistance of about .003 to .005 inch. In considering the proper spacingfor clearance between the surfaces just mentioned, the minimum value ischosen so that there is assurance that there will be at least someclearance between the surfaces during relative rotation thereof. Themaximum value is chosen so as to effectively confine the adhesivebetween the surfaces in a manner such that by the' time any of theadhesive might reach seals 72, 73 or 117, 118, the pressure exertedagainst the seals by the glue will be minimal. The adhesive or glue flowpath is therefore confined in such a manner as to pass principally fromoutlets 59a and 60a on the stator collar in sequence to the entrances onthe opposed inner surfaces of the rotor. There is also clearance betweenthe surfaces 79 and 103 of the rotor and the outer surface 56 of thecollar which may be on the order of 0.2 inch.

Rotor section 68 further includes a plurality of entrances which areessentially mirror images of the en trances 85 located on rotor section67. It is to be understood that the entrances in surface 102, throughappropriate ducts, supply nozzles located on the exterior surface of therotor section 68 in a pattern forming the opposite leg 107 and remainingportion of the base 92 (FIG. 9) of the U-shaped adhesive pattern in thesame manner as the entrances on surface 78 supply nozzles forming leg 88and base portion 92 of the adhesive pattern on the rotor section 67.

While any suitable material may be used for the rotor sections, it hasbeen found that brass or bronze is a desirable material for ease ofmachining and furnishing required strength and corrosion-resistantproperties.

It should be noted here that a flattened annular shim 108 is clampedbetween surfaces 98 and 106 on rotor sections 67 and 68 so as to isolatethe arcuate grooves 96c, 99c and s in section 67 from the grooves 109,110 and 111 (FIG. 2) in rotor section 68.

The generally cylindrical connector member 49 for connecting the rotor37 to the drive gear 48 is fixedly attached to the rotor sections 67 and68 for rotation therewith by a plurality of threaded bolts 112 whichpass through aligned holes 113 in both rotor sections (and through holesin the shim 108), the ends of the bolts being threaded into internallythreaded holes 114 formed in an annular enlarged flange 115 at one endof cylindrical connector member 49. The bolts 112 then, in addition tojoining the member 49 to the rotor 37, also function to firmly hold therotor sections together. As seen clearly at FIG. 6, the internaldiameter of the member 49 is greater than the external diameter of theportion of shaft'50 surrounded by the connector 49 so that the connectoris free to rotate relative to the shaft.

An enlarged internal groove 116 on member 49 at the same end as flange115 forms a seat for a pair of ringlike seals 117 and 118 each of whichis generally V- shaped in cross-sectional configuration and includes oneleg which abuts and is secured to the surface forming the groove 116,and another leg which, by virtue of the resiliency of the seals, isforced into engagement with the external surface of the stator shaft 50.The seals 117 and 118 may be made of the same materials as the seals 72and 73.

The internal surface of the connector member 49v at the end oppositefrom the rotor 37 is enlarged as at 119 so as to permit reception of abearing 120 therein. The outer race of the bearing 120 is in firmabutment with the inner surface 119 for rotation therewith and the innerrace of the beaing is in firm abutment with the stator shaft 50. The endof connector 49 is firmly secured to drive gear 48 for rotationtherewith by a plurality of spaced threaded bolts 121 extending throughthe gear 48 and threaded into internally threaded holes 122 in the endof the member 49. An annular ring 159 abuts the inner surface of themember 49 in the space between the outer race of the bearing 120 and thegear 48.

The end cap member 64 for supporting the end 62 of shaft 50 fromsupporting or mounting block 45 has an internal recess 123 at one endthereof which fits around the end of the shaft 50, and the cap member 64is spaced from the inner race of bearing 120 by a sleeve 160 which alsosurrounds the shaft 50. The bolt 63 extends through the cap and isthreaded into the aperture 61 at the end of the shaft 50. As will bepointed out hereafter in greater detail, the bolt 63, in addition toattaching the end cap to the shaft, also functions to provide initialrelative axial adjusting motion between the rotor 37 and the stator 38.

Mounting block 45 (see FIG. 2) includes a body portion having an opening124 extending completely therethrough of sutficient diameter to receivethe end cap 64 therein. Opposite side walls of the block each includes agroove 125 and 126 (see also FIG. 7), which grooves are slidably mountedrespectively on vertical main supporting frame members 127 and 128 sothat the block may be moved vertically but not horizontally with respectto the frame members 127 and 128 once the block 45 has been properlypositioned. An upwardly extending integral flange 129 on the block hasan aperture 130 extending therethrough so that bolt 46 extending axiallythrough idler gear 44 may be used to fixedly secure the idler gear tothe flange 129 by fastening nut 47 on the end of the bolt once the bolthas been inserted through the idler gear and through the flange. Aninternally-threaded aperture 131 in the top wall of the mounting blockis for receiving the threaded end of a stud 132 for mounting the block45 from a main horizontal supporting frame member 133. As seen at FIG.6, a coil spring 134 biases the block 45 away from the frame member 133,and the stud is inserted through an opening in the frame 133 andcentrally through the spring. Threaded end 135 of the stud is fixedlyattached to the block 45 by turning the stud into the threaded aperture131. The opposite end of the stud is also threaded so that a nut 136 andlock nut 137 can be turned thereon, the nut 136-engaging the uppersurface of frame member 133. Vertical adjustment of the entire assemblyincluding gear 44, rotor 37 and stator 38 can be accomplished byappropriate adjustment of nuts 136 and 137.

Another mounting block 138 on the opposite side of the mechanism is usedto support the opposite end of the shaft from the main supporting frame.This block also includes a central opening 139 extending through theblock which receives the stator shaft from one end, and an adhesivesupply line from the other end. Opposite side walls of block 138 arealso provided with grooves 140 and .141 for slidably mounting the blockon vertical frame members '142 and 143. An internally-threaded aperture144 in the top surface of block 138 is for receiving a threaded stud 145which, in assembled condition,

is surrounded by a coil spring 146. The stud, after nut 147 and lock nut148 have been turned thereon, is used to support the block 138 from ahorizontal main frame member 149 in a manner similar to the manner inwhich the stud 132 supports the opposite end of the stator shaft.Additionally, a threaded hole 150 in the side wall of the block is incommunication with the central opening 139, and the hole 150 is forreception of a set screw 151 which firmly holds the end of the shaft inthe opening 139 once the shaft has been properly positioned therein.

In the assembled condition of the parts as seen in FIG- URE 6, assumingthe bolts 63, 112 and 121 have been tightened, it should be clear thatthe exact axial position of the rotor 37 with respect to the stator 38is determined by the distance between surfaces 152a and 15211 of annularmetallic spacer ring 152. The reason for this is that the ring 152 isclamped between the two opposed surfaces, one of the opposed being theabutment 66 on the stator and the other of the surfaces being thebearing 120 (which bearing, in assembled condition, is axially fixedwith respect to the rotor). Thus, during initial assembly, if thesurface 59 on the stator collar 54 is closer to surface 78 on the rotorsection 67 than the surface 60 on the collar is to the surface 102 onthe rotor section 68, it is only necessary to disassemble the parts andreduce the size of the spacer 152 (whic h night be accomplished bygrinding it down) to positively assure that the distance betweensurfaces '59 and 78 is the same as the distance between surfaces 60 and.102. It is desirable that the opposite side surfaces of the collar bespaced equal distances from the entrance openings on opposite sides ofthe rotor to gain assurance that substantially equal charges of adhesiveare supplied to opposite legs of the adhesive discharge pattern.

A representative nozzle 89, as illustrated at FIG. 13,

includes an externally-threaded shank portion 153 which enables thenozzle to be threaded into the end of each duct along the exteriorsurface of the rotor 37. A bore 154 extends axially through the nozzlewhich bore includes a necked-down portion 155 near the head of thenozzle. From the necked-down portion, the bore flares outwardlyproviding a generally conical surface 156 at the head which enhances theformation of a drop or globule of adhesive on the surface 156 as anadhesive charge is forced to the nozzle.

Once the parts have been properly assembled as described above, theadhesive applicator may be operated. As seen at FIG. 1, rotation of ringgear 22 in the direction indicated also imparts rotative motion to therotor 37 of the adhesive applicator through the gear train indicatedabove. The drum 20 is also rotating in the direction indicated, and aslight space or nip is defined between the drum 20 and the externalsurface of the rotor. Adhesive is forced by pump 157 from reservoir 158through supply line 53 to the end of the central passageway 51 throughthe stator shaft 50 at a positive pressure of about 15 to 18 p.s.i.g.The adhesive continues through passageway 51 and thence through bore 55in collar 54 so that adhesive under pressure is available at outletopenings 59a and 6011 on opposite surfaces of the stator. The rotor is,of course, rotating relative to the stator, and the entrances 80-85 onrotor section 67 as well as the corresponding entrances on rotor section'68 sequentially and intermittently become aligned in fluid flowcommunication with the stator outlets. Such intermittent alignment of anentrance with the oulet causes an adhesive charge to enter the rotorentrances in sequence and the adhesive is forced through the ducts tothe exterior discharge surface formed on each nozzle. A globule ofadhesive is thus formed on each nozzle prior to the time the nozzleenters the nip between the rotor 37 and the drum 20. Bags with bottomflaps open are fed to the nip between the rotor and the drum in timedrelationship so that the bottom flaps enter the nip just as the nozzlesenter the nip. The adhesive globule by virtue of contact with the bag is9 thereby deposited on the bag in the pattern indicated at FIG. 14.Then, during the next revolution of the rotor, additional globules ofadhesive are supplied to the nozzles in a similar manner and,concurrently, another bag is being fed to the nip.

Automatic valving is thereby provided in that each entrance receives acharge of adhesive only during the time that the entrance is inalignment with a stator outlet. The pump is appropriately equipped withan internal relief valve to prevent an excessive pressure increaseduring periods when adhesive is not being supplied to the entrances.

The particular type of adhesive is not critical except that it should beof such a consistency or viscosity that it will form a bead or globuleon the end of the nozzle, which head will remain on the end of thenozzle until the adhesive bead is brought into contact with the bagbeing advanced through the nip between the rotor and the drum. Anadhesive which has successfully been used is a starch-base adhesivehaving a solids content of about 17% and a consistency about that ofwhipped cream.

It is to be especially noted that, except for the seals 72, 73, 117 and118, the surfaces of the rotor are spaced from the stator surfaces andhigh speed rotation is thereby permitted without any excessive build-upof frictional heat. While there is some accumulation of adhesive in thespace between the rotor and stator surfaces, the adhesive in thesespaces will be under very little pressure because the main thrust ofpressure of the adhesive charge is actually in a direct line of flowbetween the stator outlet and the rotor entrances as the entrancessequentially become aligned with the stator outlet. Any adhesivepressure which might exist on the seals is effectively prevented fromreaching the exterior by the seals.

What is claimed is:

1. An applicator mechanism for use in apparatus for depositing a fluidmaterial onto a receiving surface, said applicator mechanism including:

(a) a stator element comprising a circular shaft and having a passagewayextending between an inlet opening connectable with a pressurized sourceof fluid material and an outlet opening located on a surface of thestator element, said shaft having an enlarged exterior collar providingthe surface having the outlet opening, said collar having a radial boreconnecting the passageway to the outlet opening;

(b) a rotor element rotatably mounted with respect to said stator andincluding an inner surface spaced from and extending substantiallyparallel to the stator surface including the outlet, the inner surfaceof the rotor element having at least one entrance leading through a ductin the rotor to an exterior discharge surface thereon, said entrance inone position of rotation being aligned in fluid flow communication withthe outlet opening in the stator, and said entrance in another positionbeing out of fluid flo'w communication with the outlet opening in thestator;

(c) seal means mounted between said rotor and stator for preventingfluid material from reaching exterior surfaces of the applicator exceptto the discharge surface; and,

(d) structure supporting the rotor and stator for such relativemovement.

2. The mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inner surface ofsaid rotor element has a plurality of entrances positioned forintermittent sequential alignment with the outlet opening on the stator,and each of said entrances leads through an individual duct to arespective discharge surface, said discharge surfaces together defininga predetermined pattern for discharge of the fluid material inaccordance with the pattern.

3. The mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein the pattern includes afirst leg portion extending in the direction of rotation of the rotorand a second base portion extending transverse to the direction ofrotation of the rotor, and wherein entrances to respective dischargesurfaces forming the first portion are in substantially the same radialplane as their respective discharge surfaces, and entrances torespective discharge surfaces in the second portion are displaced fromthe radial plane of their respective discharge surfaces, the said radialplanes being planes originating along a line extending along the axis ofrotation of said rotor and extending radially outward to the outersurface of the rotor.

4. The mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein the ducts connectingthe entrances to the discharge surfaces forming the second portions eachincludes an internal generally U-shaped return path leading from theentrance to a second entrance formed on a second inner surface of therotor, said second entrances being substantially in the same radialplane as the discharge surfaces of said second portions.

5. The mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein said discharge surfacescomprise removable nozzles positioned individually at the opposite endof said ducts from the entrance.

6. The mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the surface includingthe outlet in the stator is spaced from the inner surface including theentrance on the rotor a distance between about .003 and .005 inch.

7. An applicator mechanism for use in apparatus for depositing a fluidmaterial onto a receiving surface, said applicator mechanism including:

(a) a stator including a shaft circular in cross-section having acentral axial passageway with an inlet opening connectable to apressurized source of fluid material, said shaft including an enlargedannular collar having a central radial bore communicating with saidpassageway, and said collar having outlet openings on opposite sidesthereof communicating with the bore;

(b) a rotor having a central opening surrounding said shaft androtatably mounted with respect to said shaft, means including first andsecond opposed inner surfaces defining an annular groove within thecentral opening for receiving said shaft collar in spaced relationshipthereto, said inner surfaces each having at least one entrance leadingeach through individual ducts to individual exterior discharge surfaceson the rotor, said entrances in one position of rotation being alignedin fluid flow communication with respective outlet openings in thestator, and said entrances in another position being out of fluid flowcommunication .with respective outlet openings in the stator;

(c) seal means mounted between said rotor and stator for preventingfluid material from reaching exterior surfaces of the applicatormechanism except to the discharge surface; and,

(d) structure supporting said shaft from a frame.

8. The applicator as set forth in claim 7 wherein said inner surfaces ofsaid rotor elements each has a plurality of entrances positioned forintermittent sequential alignment with the outlet opening on the stator,and each of the entrances leads through an individual duct to arespective discharge surface, said discharge surfaces together defininga predetermined pattern for discharge of the fluid material inaccordance with the pattern.

9. The applicator mechanism as set forth in claim 7 wherein said rotorincludes first and second separable elements, said first elementincluding said first inner surface, and said second element includingsaid second inner surface.

10. The applicator mechanism as set forth in claim 7 wherein said sealmeans comprises resilient seals which contact said shaft at locationsspaced from opposite sides of said collar.

11. The applicator mechanism as set forth in claim 7 which furtherincludes a spacer clamped between opposed abutment surfaces by relativeadjusting axial movement of said rotor with respect to said stator, oneof said opposed surfaces being on said stator, and the other of saidopposed surfaces being axially fixed with respect to said rotor, andmeans for providing the relative axial adjustment whereby the relativeaxial position of the rotor with respect to the stator can be adjustedby adjusting the size of the spacer.

12. The applicator mechanism as set forth in claim 7 wherein the firstand second surfaces defining said annular groove on said rotor arespaced respectively from opposite sides of the collar of the statordistances between about .003 and .005 inch.

13. An applicator mechanism for use in apparatus for depositing a fluidmaterial onto a receiving surface, said applicator mechanism including:

(a) a stator including a shaft having an internal passageway with aninlet opening connectable to a pressurized source of fluid material,said shaft including a collar with opposite side surfaces, said sidesurfaces being spaced apart a first, predetermined distance from eachother, and said surfaces having outlet openings thereon in fluid flowcommunication with said passageway;

(b) a rotor including internal side surfaces defining a groove forreceiving said shaft collar, said side surfaces which form said groovebeing spaced apart from each other a second, predetermined distancewhich is greater than said first predetermined distance, said internalside surfaces in said rotor each having at least one entrance leadingeach through individual ducts to exterior discharge surfaces on therotor, said entrances in one position of rotation being aligned withrespective outlet openings in the stator, and said entrances in anotherposition being out of alignment with respective outlet openings in thestator; and

(c) seal means for preventing fluid material from reaching exteriorsurfaces of the applicator mechanism except to the discharge surfaces.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,091,216 5/1963 Scotti 118-411 X3,135,628 6/1964 Johnson et a1. 3,152,011 10/1964 Gerard 118-2113,255,729 6/1966 Weis 118212 WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner

